Maison Law can help you through the claims process if you’ve been electrocuted at an oil field in California. An electrocution might not be the first thing you think of when you work at an oil field, but given all the equipment and machinery that requires electricity, the risk is always there. But when your company or job site tries to cut corners, you could be the one that ends up hurt. Our team can help you understand your options and guide you through a claim. Set up a free consultation today.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
An electrocution in the oil fields isn’t like any other kind of accident. It doesn’t just knock you down–it can leave you with injuries that follow you for the rest of your life. And here’s another problem: oil field accidents are messy when it comes to figuring out who’s responsible. Everyone points fingers, and every company has its own insurance carrier that doesn’t want to pay. While you’re trying to recover, you might face:
- A supervisor telling you to “keep quiet” about unsafe conditions
- An insurance adjuster questioning whether your symptoms are real
- Pressure to get back on the job before you’re ready
That’s a heavy load when you’re already dealing with pain and uncertainty, and that’s when you would need help from our team at Maison Law. We can:
- Figure out who’s really responsible
- Gather the proof you’ll need
- Make sure your side of the story doesn’t get brushed aside
We take on the paperwork, the phone calls, and the back-and-forth with insurers so you can focus on getting better and back to work.
Why Are Oil Fields So Dangerous When It Comes to Electricity?
No matter which oil field you work at, you know how many hazards are around. Drilling rigs, pumps, generators, lighting systems, and miles of wiring all carry live power. Add in long shifts, rough conditions, and crews rushing to meet deadlines, and it’s no surprise accidents happen.
But there’s an obvious issue here. With so many different people and companies working together, your safety sometimes takes a backseat. And that’s when electrocutions can happen because of:
- Exposed or damaged wiring – Frayed cords or poorly insulated lines can turn into live hazards fast.
- Contact with power lines – Cranes, rigs, or even shovels can hit overhead or underground lines without warning.
- Defective tools or equipment – Machines or tools with faulty grounding or bad cords can shock you during routine use.
- Lack of training or warnings – If no one tells you a circuit is live, you might walk straight into danger.
- Wet or muddy conditions – Water and electricity don’t mix, and oil fields rarely have “clean” conditions.
- Skipped lockout/tagout procedures – If equipment isn’t fully shut down before maintenance, it can put crews at serious risk.
Weather only adds to the danger. Rain, fog, and wind raise the risk of contact with electricity, and with multiple crews on site, safety rules often slip through the cracks. The truth is, most of these accidents are preventable. OSHA and California regulations require companies to control obvious hazards, but when shortcuts are taken, it’s you that ends up hurt. That gives you options, but it also requires proof.
What Kind of Proof Should I Try to Get After I’m Electrocuted?
Electrocution injuries are tricky because they’re not always obvious. Sure, burns show on the surface. But heart rhythm changes, nerve damage, memory issues, and internal injuries can sneak up on you later. That’s why documenting everything matters. Here’s what can make your claim stronger:
- Medical records tying your injuries directly to the electrocution
- Pictures or videos of the worksite, exposed wires, or equipment involved
- Statements from coworkers who saw what happened
- Safety logs or reports showing ignored hazards or OSHA violations
- The defective tool, cord, or equipment that caused the shock
- Documentation of your treatment and recovery, including specialists
The oil field adds one more wrinkle: evidence disappears fast. Equipment gets hauled off-site, hazards get patched, and contractors move on. If you wait, it may be impossible to prove what happened. That’s why it’s critical to report the accident right away and start gathering proof as soon as you can. That’s another area where our team can help. We’ll step in and make sure nothing gets lost.
Who’s at Fault in Oil Field Electrocution Accidents?
Blaming “bad luck” is common after an electrocution, but most of these accidents trace back to someone not doing their job safely. In oil fields, where multiple companies and contractors are working side by side, responsibility can get complicated. Potentially liable parties include:
- Employers who fail to maintain safe equipment or ignore lockout/tagout procedures
- Contractors or subcontractors who leave live wires exposed, overload circuits, or mishandle electrical tools
- Manufacturers who produce defective tools, machinery, or protective gear
- Supervisors who rush workers, skip safety checks, or provide poor training
The truth is, electrocutions don’t just “happen.” They’re almost always preventable. What matters is that you don’t just assume your employer’s version of events is the only truth. You do have options—and the right legal guidance can help you choose the one that gets you real support.
What Options Do I Have for Filing a Claim After an Electrocution?
As you might expect, an electrocution often means hospital stays, nerve damage, heart complications, or lasting mobility issues. It can feel overwhelming—but you usually have more than one way to get financial help. Here’s what your options generally look like:
- Workers’ Compensation – If you’re a full-time employee, workers’ comp is usually your first step. Every employer in California is required to carry worker’ comp insurance, so you can file a claim and start receiving benefits like:
- Medical treatment (ER visits, burn care, surgeries, therapy, prescriptions)
- A portion of your lost wages while you recover
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits if you can’t return to work
The downside is that workers’ comp doesn’t pay for everything. You don’t get damages for pain, suffering, or the long-term toll an electrocution can take on your life. And benefits are capped and time-limited.
- Civil claim – If you’re working as a contractor, or if someone else’s negligence caused the electrocution, you may be able to file a civil injury claim. This kind of claim lets you go after a broader range of “damages,” like:
- All medical expenses, now and in the future
- Full lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (common with traumatic accidents)
- Loss of quality of life
- Funeral and burial costs in fatal electrocutions
Since electrocution accidents often involve faulty wiring, poorly maintained equipment, or subcontractors who cut corners, it’s not always clear which option is going to be best for you. Plus, you have one year to file for workers’ comp and only two years to file a civil claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my boss fire me for reporting the accident?
No. California law protects workers from retaliation. If you’re punished for speaking up — whether that’s losing hours, getting reassigned to worse shifts, or being fired — you may have a separate legal claim on top of your injury case.
Am I covered by workers’ comp if I’m a contractor?
Usually not. Workers’ comp applies to employees. If you’re an independent contractor, you may need to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against whoever was responsible. If you were hired through a staffing or subcontracting company, they might carry coverage, so it’s worth checking.
Do I need hard proof of my injuries to file a claim?
Yes. Because electrocution injuries aren’t always visible, documentation is everything. Medical records, photos, coworker statements, and even damaged equipment can all be used to prove your case. The earlier you start collecting, the better.
Maison Law Helps Injured Oil Field Workers in California
An oil field electrocution can change your life in an instant. The injuries can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face the fallout alone. At Maison Law, we make sure one accident doesn’t derail your future. From handling insurance pushback to figuring out who’s truly responsible, we’re here to protect your claim and your recovery. Set up a free consultation today.
